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IDA objects to ski resort

Thursday, 12 February 2009

THE agency responsible for job creation is opposing a planning application that could create over 1,000 badly-needed jobs in Dublin 15. The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has controversially lodged a submission opposing the Snowtopia development planned for Tyrrelstown, on the grounds that the ski resort would be unsustainable and in conflict with the zoning policy in the area. The submission has been met with confusion and anger by many who see the proposed development as a glimmer of hope in an area suffering from crippling unemployment. In its submission, the IDA said the development would compromise future investment for existing or new clients in the vicinity of the site. “[The proposed development] would be in conflict with the council’s land use zoning policy in the area and would represent an unsustainable form of development by reason of its location in an area with an inadequate public transportation infrastructure which would be unable to service satisfactorily the needs of the development,” it was stated. “It would thereby be in conflict with the proper planning and sustainable development in the area.” An IDA spokesperson told Northside People that it was not objecting to the Snowtopia development as such. but rather it was acting as a land owner of 26 hectares earmarked for industrial development close to the proposed site. “In the first instance, we would like to clarify that IDA has not objected to this particular development with its potential economic development and employment per se, but rather as a land owner with tax payer’s money invested in adjoining lands,” he said. “IDA has made observations setting out our particular concerns which we would like considered as part of the normal planning process.” Local councillor Michael O’Donovan (Lab) said the IDA needs to “think outside the box”. “I think the Snowtopia development has the potential to create many, many much-needed jobs and countless spin-off jobs in local hotels and restaurants,” he told Northside People. “I think if there are job prospects on offer for the area, we need to grab them with both hands. “In the current economic climate, I think we all need to look outside the box in terms of how we can bring some employment to the area.” Cllr O’Donovan said that while he respects and values the IDA’s position and opinion, he believes the current zoning would allow for the massive ski resort. “We need to find some compromise which is why I’ve asked the IDA and the developers to meet to discuss the matter in more detail,” he said. Mr O’Donovan added that the Snowtopia concept works well in the UK and he doesn’t see why it couldn’t be a success here. Meanwhile, Twinlite, the developers behind the planning application, have harshly criticised the IDA for “jeopardising the creation of 1,000 jobs”. “We don’t understand why the IDA have objected to this project,” stated Twinlite director Rick Larkin. “We want to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. “We will employ 1,000 people during the build and when Snowtopia is open we will employ 300 full-time staff while providing a much needed amenity to the local area.” He added: “This build represents an annual injection of e30 million per annum direct into the economy.” The development, which represents a e100 million investment from Twinlite, is expected to contribute between e12m and e15m in tax and planning contributions. The completed resort is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs and will inject e30 million into the economy every year. Fingal County Council is due to make a decision on the application on February 24